F1 2023: Belgian GP - Spa-Francorchamps (July 30)

[GuidoK]

F1 2023: Belgian GP - Spa-Francorchamps (July 30)

Schedule:
https://www.formula1.com/en/racing/2023/Belgium.html

Circuit:
https://www.formula1.com/en/racing/2...m/Circuit.html

Spa-Francorchamps
When was the track built?

The original, triangle-shaped track was built in 1921, with designers Jules de Thier and Henri Langlois van Ophem using public roads between the towns of Francorchamps, Malmedy, and Stavelot to create an amazing 14.9km circuit taking in the forests and rolling hills of the beautiful Ardennes region. The track was redeveloped in 1979, and although the new circuit is only half the original's length, it’s still the longest on the current calendar at 7.004km.
When was its first Grand Prix?

Having hosted a non-championship Grand Prix as long ago as 1924, Belgium’s iconic circuit was one of just seven to be part of Formula 1’s maiden championship in 1950. That race was won by the legendary Juan Manuel Fangio, who led home an Alfa Romeo one-two ahead of team mate Nino Farina.
What’s the circuit like?

Spa is among Formula 1 drivers’ most loved tracks, with its mix of long straights and challenging fast corners allowing them to push their cars to the edge of their capabilities – if it’s dry, that is. The size of the track and the nature of Belgian weather means it can sometimes be raining on one part of the track and dry on another, meaning grip can vary from one corner to the next. Keep an eye on the thrilling Eau Rouge, arguably the most famous sequence of corners in the world, as the drivers flick left, right and then up the hill through Raidillon.
Why go?

What’s not to love about one of Europe’s classic tracks? Only the truly great drivers conquer Spa, with Ayrton Senna and Michael Schumacher among those to master this magical circuit. Add in the wonderful setting of the Ardennes forest and it’s no surprise that it’s a fan favourite, with a record 265,000 spectators turning out to watch the 2017 Spa showdown.
Where is the best place to watch?

The elevated grandstand located near Eau Rouge gives you the best view of the iconic corner, while also boasting panoramic views from La Source through to Raidillon. But if you fancy taking in some of the best trackside atmosphere, then the grandstand located on the Pouhon corner should be right up your street.

2022 race highlights:

2022 Thread:
https://www.zpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1945514

[GuidoK]

This is my favorite track on the F1 calender. It's beautiful situated in the woods, and the elevation differences makes this track something special. It's fast but also has a very slow corner.
On TV, the elevation changes are not that visible, but if you drive the track (or just be there in person), going down to La Rouge and then going up Raidillon just feels awesome.
The off camber chicane Bus stop is also tricky (I assume it's still a bit off camber)

Last year, Max gave everyone driving lessons. He started 15th, and took 1st place at lap 12....That is just crazy!
My prediction:
1. Max
2. PER
3. NOR
4. PIA
5. HAM

I see both Norris and Piastri batteling both Red Bulls. I don't think they're just there yet, but for sure they can make this an exciting race. And I do think Lando deserves a victory. He was so close in 2021 in Sochi, and with the upgrades on the McLaren, this might be the time.

I'm not gonna put any Ferrari in my predictions anymore. There just doesn't seem to be any progression there. I hope they sort themselves and the car out.

[M5Rick]

Originally Posted by GuidoK

This is my favorite track on the F1 calender. It's beautiful situated in the woods, and the elevation differences makes this track something special. It's fast but also has a very slow corner.
On TV, the elevation changes are not that visible, but if you drive the track (or just be there in person), going down to La Rouge and then going up Raidillon just feels awesome.
The off camber chicane Bus stop is also tricky (I assume it's still a bit off camber)

Last year, Max gave everyone driving lessons. He started 15th, and took 1st place at lap 12....That is just crazy!
My prediction:
1. Max
2. PER
3. NOR
4. PIA
5. HAM

I see both Norris and Piastri batteling both Red Bulls. I don't think they're just there yet, but for sure they can make this an exciting race. And I do think Lando deserves a victory. He was so close in 2021 in Sochi, and with the upgrades on the McLaren, this might be the time.

I'm not gonna put any Ferrari in my predictions anymore. There just doesn't seem to be any progression there. I hope they sort themselves and the car out.

Exactly my prediction also, I would love to put Charlie instead of HAM but the Ferrari things...

[Car-Addicted]

Originally Posted by GuidoK

I'm not gonna put any Ferrari in my predictions anymore.

They have become F1's version of the gang that can't shoot straight.

[///M Power-Belgium]

Originally Posted by GuidoK

This is my favorite track on the F1 calender. It's beautiful situated in the woods, and the elevation differences makes this track something special. It's fast but also has a very slow corner.
On TV, the elevation changes are not that visible, but if you drive the track (or just be there in person), going down to La Rouge and then going up Raidillon just feels awesome.
The off camber chicane Bus stop is also tricky (I assume it's still a bit off camber)

Last year, Max gave everyone driving lessons. He started 15th, and took 1st place at lap 12....That is just crazy!
My prediction:
1. Max
2. PER
3. NOR
4. PIA
5. HAM

I see both Norris and Piastri batteling both Red Bulls. I don't think they're just there yet, but for sure they can make this an exciting race. And I do think Lando deserves a victory. He was so close in 2021 in Sochi, and with the upgrades on the McLaren, this might be the time.

I'm not gonna put any Ferrari in my predictions anymore. There just doesn't seem to be any progression there. I hope they sort themselves and the car out.

Thanks for posting my friend (as usual)

[M5Rick]

More bad news for Norris and the others as Marko warns even more pace to come from the 19 as the new updates are keyed in more accurately.
https://racingnews365.com/marko-thro...c-red-bull-win

[G30M]

Originally Posted by GuidoK

Last year, Max gave everyone driving lessons. He started 15th, and took 1st place at lap 12....That is just crazy!
My prediction:
1. Max
2. PER
3. NOR
4. PIA
5. HAM

i see you have finally learnt not to include CLC in your predictions

[G30M]

Originally Posted by GuidoK

I'm not gonna put any Ferrari in my predictions anymore. There just doesn't seem to be any progression there. I hope they sort themselves and the car out.

Aston Martin is as surprising as McLaren but in opposite fashion

[G30M]

anyone else interested in the Alpha Tauri battle?

[Killed by Death]

Dear Ferrari, ur front suspension looks nothing like Red Bull...ur sidepods look nothing like Red Bull....#STUPID

[///M Power-Belgium]

Originally Posted by Killed by Death

"Dear Ferrari Fred", ur front suspension looks nothing like Red Bull...ur sidepods look nothing like Red Bull....#STUPID

FTFY

[M5Rick]

Originally Posted by ///M Power-Belgium

FTFY

I think Fred has started eating shpaghetti and drinking vino verde, orders from Maranello

[///M Power-Belgium]

Originally Posted by M5Rick

I think Fred has started eating shpaghetti and drinking vino verde, orders from Maranello

I see Ferrari Fred sitting there like a brain dead dummy ...
I really wonder how can you win a race like this ?

So far , it couldn't get any worse at Ferrari !
They should fire Frederic Vasseur AKA Ferrari Fred ASAP .

Ferrari things aside because they will never change :
He looked like an Italian clown but Ferrari's only hope is Bino's return ...

[Killed by Death]

Originally Posted by ///M Power-Belgium

I see Ferrari Fred sitting there like a brain dead dummy ...
I really wonder how can you win a race like this ?

So far , it couldn't get any worse at Ferrari !
They should fire Frederic Vasseur AKA Ferrari Fred ASAP .

Ferrari things aside because they will never change :
He looked like an Italian clown but Ferrari's only hope is Bino's return ...

Nah, Bino came up with the grenade engine and scooped sidepod that doesn't work. Development on this years car started well before Ferrari Fred showed up. No doubt about it this years concept was dreamed up by Bino

Ferrari Fred only made it worse

Off with both their heads

[///M Power-Belgium]

Originally Posted by Killed by Death

Nah, Bino came up with the grenade engine and scooped sidepod that doesn't work. Development on this years car started well before Ferrari Fred showed up. No doubt about it this years concept was dreamed up by Bino

Ferrari Fred only made it worse

Off with both their heads

Sure , Ferrari Fred made it worse . But at least with Bino , Charlie ran his poles he could fight with MAX and won a few races ...
Now with Ferrari Fred , where is Charlie now ?

That's why Bino was/is better and I don't see who can replace Bino to make Ferrari faster .
Don't wait for Ferrari Fred because he isn't doing it (#BrainDead )!

[HFW003]

Did I happen to mention I am ticking off a bucket list item as we are going to be there.

Seats in the new Eau Rouge stand for the weekend.

Cannot wait!

[M5Rick]

Originally Posted by ///M Power-Belgium

I see Ferrari Fred sitting there like a brain dead dummy ...
I really wonder how can you win a race like this ?

So far , it couldn't get any worse at Ferrari !
They should fire Frederic Vasseur AKA Ferrari Fred ASAP .

Ferrari things aside because they will never change :
He looked like an Italian clown but Ferrari's only hope is Bino's return ...

Former manager of the Minardi F1 team Paul Stoddard backs up our reasoning to get Bino back and actually to work alongside Fred to get Ferrari back on track. Fred puts on a brave face but can't cope with the special challenges presented by the Scuderia.
https://racingnews365.com/stoddie-st...stappens-break

[M5Rick]

Mick S should stop talking out of his cake hole egged on by Wolff, Checo is going nowhere as Marko has said he has a contract to the end of 2024 as long as he scores well from now on.
Max will help a teammate who is on the level with him and the next target for Checo is to neutralise cocky Norris though this will not be easy if quali doesn't work out well for him.
https://racingnews365.com/verstappen...-never-perfect

[///M Power-Belgium]

Originally Posted by HFW003

Did I happen to mention I am ticking off a bucket list item as we are going to be there.

Seats in the new Eau Rouge stand for the weekend.

Cannot wait!

HFW003

Mate . Welcome to Belgium

But watch out for the countless 'hidden speedcams , they are everywhere !
In other words : Don't get in trouble because the s@ckers are watching you and that wouldn't be cheap !

Hope your man (RIC) can score some points at Francorchamps .Glad he's back on track !
BTW : Bring a big umbrella ...

Enjoy the race !

[///M Power-Belgium]

Originally Posted by M5Rick

Mick S should stop talking out of his cake hole egged on by Wolff, Checo is going nowhere as Marko has said he has a contract to the end of 2024 as long as he scores well from now on.
Max will help a teammate who is on the level with him and the next target for Checo is to neutralise cocky Norris though this will not be easy if quali doesn't work out well for him.
https://racingnews365.com/verstappen...-never-perfect

MAX the actor ! Fun fact: MAX actually filmed this ad during his second pit stop in Hungary

#UnLeashTheLion !

[M5Rick]

Originally Posted by ///M Power-Belgium

MAX the actor ! Fun fact: MAX actually filmed this ad during his second pit stop in Hungary

#UnLeashTheLion !

It should say at the end 'When you drive, always drink 0.0'

[///M Power-Belgium]

Originally Posted by Killed by Death

Nah, Bino came up with the grenade engine and scooped sidepod that doesn't work. Development on this years car started well before Ferrari Fred showed up. No doubt about it this years concept was dreamed up by Bino

Ferrari Fred only made it worse

Off with both their heads

Order now , my friend !